Virgin Trains USA has the funding to start construction on a rail link between Orland and West Palm Beach, and the system has launched its official rebranding under its new ownership.
"Brightline, the high-speed rail service from West Palm Beach to Miami, has now secured funding to lay tracks heading north to Orlando," reports Thomas Forester.
The funding will come from a $1.75 billion bond sale. "Virgin Trains says the company’s new bond issue was also used to refund $600 million in bonds the rail service sold back in 2017," according to Forester.
Treasure Coast officials are pitching the Brightline as an alternative to driving in an increasingly congested region, but some opponents think the tracks could worsen congestion by conflicting with streets and car traffic.
While the article refers to the train system as Brightline, Richard Branson was on hand in Miami this week to officially launch the rebranding of the company after Virgin bought Brightline late last year and renamed the company Virgin Trains USA.
FULL STORY: Brightline secures funding to Orlando, plans to open Walt Disney World station
Virgin Trains USA Not Restarting Service Yet
The closely monitored private rail company says it has no plans to reopen in Florida any time soon, even as the state relaxes its stay-at-home orders and intercity rail in other parts of the country prepares to restart.
Ridership Stagnant, Virgin Trains Prepares to Expand
Depending on your interest and perspective, the lede might be buried here.
Brightline Opening to Central Florida Delayed
The high-speed rail connection between West Palm Beach and Orlando will not open on time for the holiday weekend as originally planned.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and harrowing close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)